World Rowing Championships 2013: Great Britain's women through to finals

The first semi-finals at the rowing world championships in Chungju were lit up
by a breathtaking performance from lightweight single sculler Ruth Walczak,
and powerful racing from five Olympic-class crews including the women's
pair, to confirm their A-final places.

Helen Glover and Polly Swann continued their unbeaten run, but Saturday's final will bring them under pressure from several new competitive pairs. "We're expecting that, we've seen them coming, it's exciting and what we want," said Glover.

The men's four deliberately raced with more aggression, and produced a more event row to qualify in third. "We aren't the strongest of guys so we have to get an edge somewhere," said Scott Durant. "To know we'll come at least sixth is a good feeling."

The lightweight Chambers brothers Pete and Richard moved deceptively smoothly to the front of a close race to claim the first finals spot ahead of Norway and Germany.

The men's quad had what they described as not their best row, but still managed to come in only a second behind Germany, whose crew includes three of the 2012 Olympic champions.

Lightweight Jamie Kirkwood sprinted valiantly but missed an A-final place by a few feet.